asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that since the dissolution of Dublin City Council the number of squatters in Corporation dwellings has greatly increased; that there are now over 350 squatters, as a result of which many families who are more entitled to such accommodation have been unfairly deprived of accommodation; if he will hold a public inquiry into the matter and now ensure that Dublin Corporation discharges its obligations to house persons in accordance with the priorities adopted by the City Council and approved of by the Minister for Local Government.
Written Answers. - Dublin Corporation House Squatting.
129.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to Question No. 6 by Deputy J. Dowling on 16th April last, on this subject.
I am aware that there has been an increase recently in the incidence of illegal occupation of Dublin Corporation dwellings and that, as a result, families on the approved waiting list have been unjustly deprived of accommodation. I am satisfied that the local authority have taken all steps open to them to deal with the problem and I do not consider that a public inquiry is necessary.
The Deputy will be aware that the House agreed on the Committee Stage of the Housing Bill, 1970, yesterday to an official amendment designed to strengthen the law in relation to the unauthorised occupation or use of local authority dwellings.